The country's North Pacific, comprising
the Province of Guanacaste and Peninsula of Nicoya, is a region
of the country where high levels of tourism arrivals mingle
with traditions and typical elements, characteristic of the
Guanacaste province. Among these, the figure of the "sabanero"
stands out, with his joviality and skill in handling cattle.
It is for this reason that in the region's "fiestas patronales"
(county fair), corridas (rodeos) and bull mounts are a must.
The fairs always include a great variety of typical cuisine
based mainIy on corn.

The region has a strong influence in Costa Rican
history, beginning in the colonial period. Santa Rosa National
Park was scenario of three important battles one of which
back in 1.856, meant for the victorious Costa Ricans, the
conquest of national sovereignty over the attacks of foreign
invaders.

Geologically, the region harbors some of the oldest formations
in the country, such as the caverns of Barra Honda National
Park with its many stalactites and stalagmites. The park
also protects important extensions of dry tropical forest,
most of which is in regeneration. In the summer time, the
decidious trees loose their foilage creating a very diverse
landscape, almost dessert?like, in the months of November
through May. In the months of June through October, when
the rivers recover their flow these forests flourish into
diverse tonalities of green. Some typical flora of the region
are Guanacaste, the national tree; the savanna oak and the
naked Indian tree, commonIy named due to its intense reddish
colored trunk.

Some of the region's protected
areas possess worldwide importance for the protection of wildlife
species and constitute observation areas of great interest.
This is the case of the Baula Turtle, in Playa Grander the
avi?fauna in the lagoons of Palo Verde National Park; and
the nesting of the Lora Turtle in the Nancite and Ostional
beaches. National parks such as Volcán Rincón
de la Vieja also offer unique sites with their hot mud pools
and fumaroles in constant activity.

With its many beaches, the North
Pacific constitutes one of Costa Rica's most important tourism
areas and the presence of a diversity in tourism infrastructure
that includes five star services and some of the best places
to practice golf and sport fishing, combines with natural
setting and a myriad of small quaint properties.

Marine currents that dredge nutrients
from the ocean's depths, facilitate the existence of a rich
marine biodiversity, favoring the abundance of species like
the swordfish, the marlin and the dorado. Near the city of
Liberia one of the main access points to the different attractions
of the region stands Daniel Oduber International Airport which
offers direct international access to the region. The International
American highway, in excellent condition also communicates
this city with the country's capital.

Guanacaste's beaches, full of sun and activity,
offer all types of outdoor activities, including surfing,
kayaking, swimming, diving, snorkeling and horseback riding,.
Some of these beaches are true tourist centers, such is
the case of Tamarindo and El Coco, while others are characterized
by their remoteness. All however, seem to be made just for
sports and sun lovers.